Last week, right around the Christmas festivities, a mysterious figure named Niketas Ooryphas landed in British Cyprus. The man described himself as a veteran of World War I, the Greek Resistance of World War II, and the Greek Civil War. He and several of his fellow travelers, a number of other Greek resistance veterans and a few older WWI veterans, were linked to Organization X, a monarchist anti-communist organization, by the British intelligence on the island.

Niketas Ooryphas made a tour of Nicosia and several smaller cities, giving speeches about the history of Cyprus and the history of the church. He maintained a relatively low profile, despite this, and his “speeches” were usually just lively discussions in coffee shops. More than one passing mention of enosis was made.

British intelligence is certain that Niketas Ooryphas is not the man’s real name, as Ooryphas was the name of. Byzantine Admiral from the 9th century. His real identity remains unknown, and he returned to Thessaloniki before the new year. British intelligence also found no evidence of a connection between these particular members of Organization X, all low ranking or only affiliated, and the Greek government. British intelligence on Cyprus relayed these orders back to the Crown and made request that the government collaborate with the Greek government on monitoring these suspicious individuals.